NLC Declares Nationwide Protest Against 50% Telecom Tariff Hike: A Stand for Nigerian Workers



NLC to Lead Nationwide Protest Against Telecom Tariff Hike on February 4

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to oppose the proposed 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs recently approved by the Federal Government.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting held in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized that the rally and protest will take place in all 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The protest is aimed at pressuring the government to reverse the tariff hike, which the NLC describes as an additional burden on already struggling Nigerians.

The Protest Plan: A Nationwide Call to Action

According to the NLC, the one-day mass protest and rally will involve workers, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens who are against the sharp increase in telecom costs. The Congress has called on all Nigerians to participate, urging them to resist what it describes as an anti-people policy that will further worsen the economic hardship in the country.

The NLC argues that telecommunication services are no longer a luxury but a necessity, as millions of Nigerians rely on them for business, education, and social interactions. Ajaero stated that the government’s decision to approve the 50% tariff increase is insensitive, given the already high cost of living, inflation, and economic instability.

Impact of the Telecom Tariff Hike

The proposed tariff hike means that Nigerians will pay significantly more for calls, data, and SMS services. According to the NLC:

A worker earning the minimum wage of ₦70,000 will now have to spend up to 15% of their salary on telecom expenses, up from the previous 10%.

Small business owners who rely on mobile data for their operations will face higher costs, potentially affecting their profits and business sustainability.

Students and low-income earners who depend on affordable internet access for learning and communication will struggle to stay connected.


The NLC insists that instead of increasing telecom tariffs, the government should explore policies that will make communication more affordable for the masses.

NLC’s Stand: Why the Protest Matters

The labour union criticized the government’s quick approval of the telecom tariff hike, contrasting it with the delayed implementation of the new minimum wage. The NLC argues that while businesses are swiftly granted tariff increases, workers have to wait endlessly for wage adjustments, which is unfair and unjust.

The Congress also accused telecom companies of prioritizing profit over people, calling for greater regulation to ensure that Nigerians are not exploited by excessive tariffs and hidden charges.

What Nigerians Are Saying

The planned protest has received mixed reactions from the public. While many support the NLC’s decision to resist the tariff hike, others believe the government should negotiate with telecom providers to find a more balanced solution.

Some citizens have taken to social media to express their frustration, arguing that the rising cost of living in Nigeria is becoming unbearable. Others have suggested that the government should reduce taxes and levies on telecom operators instead of allowing a direct increase in tariffs.

 What’s Next?

As the February 4 protest date approaches, all eyes will be on the Federal Government, telecom companies, and the NLC to see if a resolution can be reached before the nationwide demonstration. The NLC has vowed that unless the government reverses the tariff hike, it will continue to mobilize Nigerians to resist policies that make life harder for the average citizen.

The big question remains: Will the government listen, or will Nigerians be forced to bear yet another financial burden?


Call to Action:
What do you think about the proposed telecom tariff hike? Do you support the NLC’s nationwide protest? Share your thoughts in the comments below!


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